driving tour nyc

Driving Tours of New York City

Experience real new york.

Real New York Tours now offers Private Driving Tours and Step-on Guide options. Experience New York City from the comfort of your own vehicle.

Private Driving Tours

Step-on Guide

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Top 10 Attractions of New York City Full-Day Tour by Car

Explore the highlights of NYC from the comfort of a car! See the dazzling lights of Times Square and visit St Patrick’s Cathedral, Grand Central Terminal, Empire State Building, and Statue of Liberty with the best Local Guide!

• Explore NYC by car with a 5-Stars Private Guide
• See Times Square, 9/11 Memorial, Brooklyn Bridge and more
• Take a perfect selfie with the Statue of Liberty at Liberty Island
• Save time with skip-the-line tickets to Empire State Building
• Travel in comfort in a private car with a pickup and drop-off service

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Available trips:

Activity details.

• 3 Hours, 7 Hours & 8 Hours
• Private Tour Exclusive only for you
• Just buy and we instantly organize Your booking ensure the tour is already fully organized, just come and enjoy!
• Live Guide English, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Polish
• Car Transport

This one-day driving tour will give you the most comprehensive experience of top NYC sights, from Times Square to Statue of Liberty. Get to know the city and visit top attractions with an experienced Private Guide who will share interesting historical facts and cultural anecdotes about the Big Apple. Sightsee in comfort and style.

The 3-hour car tour will begin with a pickup from your accommodation. First, you will see the highlights of Downtown New York with a stop at the National 9/11 Memorial and One World Trade Center. Next on the list will be Washington Square with its monumental arch featuring Washington statues. You will also see the iconic triangular Flatiron Building, Madison Square Park, and the world’s most famous Empire State Building.

As you pass the impressive skyscrapers of Midtown Manhattan, the guide will entertain you with stories about the events and personalities that shaped the city’s history. You will see New Yorker’s favourite public spaces such as Grand Central Terminal and New York Public Library, and take a stroll under the dazzling lights of Times Square and Broadway. The tour will end at Fifth Avenue, one of the most expensive streets in the world, featuring among others the 19th-century St Patrick’s Cathedral and Rockefeller Center – the greatest architectural project of the Great Depression years. At the end of sightseeing, you will be driven back to your accommodation.

Opt for the 7-hour option to get an even better experience with a visit to the Art Deco-style Grand Central and the Neo-Gothic-style St Patrick’s Cathedral to learn in more detail about the history and architecture of NYC. The highlight of this tour will be a ferry cruise to Liberty Island, home of one of the most important symbols of the US – the iconic Lady Liberty. For your convenience, we provide skip-the-line tickets for the ferry with access to the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal so that you can go inside and enjoy the views of the Manhattan skyline and nearby islands.

Choose the 8-hour tour to visit St Patrick’s Cathedral, Liberty Island and America’s favourite Empire State Building. Take advantage of skip-the-line tickets to the 86th-floor observatory deck of the city’s most prominent skyscraper, offering unparalleled views of Manhattan, including Rockefeller Center, One World Trade Center and Brooklyn Bridge. This is an absolute must-see when you are in NYC!

• Private Car Tour of New York City’s Top Attractions
• 5-Stars Guide with Official NYC License speaking fluently in the chosen language
• Visit at Grand Central Terminal (in 7-hour option)
• Visit at St Patrick’s Cathedral (in 7 and 8-hour options)
• Skip-the-line tickets to Liberty Island ferry with access to the pedestal of Statue of Liberty (in 7 and 8-hour option)
• Skip-the-line tickets to the main deck of Empire State Building (in 8-hour option)
• Private transfers by air-conditioned car with pickup and drop-off service to your NYC accommodation

What you should know

• Please check your email the day before the tour to receive important information
• Please be ready to depart on time (preferably even 5 minutes in advance) as there are time slots to enter some attractions
• We will arrange private transfers in a standard car (sedan) for groups of 1-4 people, and in a large van for groups of 5 people and more. If you’re travelling in a smaller group but want to travel in a more spacious car, we recommend booking a tour for 5 people to take advantage of the van transport
• Please note that all visitors to NYC’s top attractions must go through airport-style security screenings.
• Please dress and pack accordingly as this procedure can daley entry even for skip-the-line ticket holders
• Please bring a valid photo ID with you
• Please note that due to Sunday, holiday and daily masses, sightseeing inside St Patrick’s Cathedral may be limited. Since the Cathedral is an active place of worship, it is a policy that groups larger than 10 people cannot enter with a guide. In such a case, the guide will give you an introduction to the church and its history from the outside and you will be able to explore the interior in silence using the TourPatron App. We recommend you download this app for free from The Apple App or Google Play Stores before the tour. Use code “SUNDAY” to unlock the guest pass
• Skip-the-line tickets to the Empire State Building lets you skip the lines to the ticket office. This excludes lines to the security check and elevators
• Only the following items are allowed inside the Statue: one camera per person (no camera bags); your ticket; and any necessary medication. All other items must be secured in a locker. Lockers are available for $2/hour, cash only
• There are 215 steps or approximately 10 stories to climb to the top of the Pedestal, with limited elevator access
• The Number of visited attractions depends on the chosen option.

Why choose Rosotravel.com

Customer reviews

• Customer Service: 4.53 4.53 / 5
• Organization: 4.53 4.53 / 5
• Value for money: 4.53 4.53 / 5
• Guide: 4.53 4.53 / 5

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New York Driving Tours

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All Private,  All Custom,  All the Time!

Just your party and me.

Private New York Tours

With my private New York tours  (check out the list at the bottom of this page) you do not have to come to me, I will come to you.  On the day of your tour, I will meet you at the New York City location of your choice.  At the end of the tour, I will return you to the same or any other New York City location.  It maybe a restaurant, theater, store, airport, train station, wherever.  Your tour with me will begin at whatever time is best for you.  Maybe, you like to sleep late. Maybe, you like getting up early.  Perhaps, your body is accustomed to another time zone.  This is your time away to relax and enjoy.  I schedule the start of all my  New York sightseeing tours  at whatever time and place is best for my guests.

My private New York tours include just you, me and up to five others who visit New York with you.  The only possible exception is if on the tour there will be luggage, a wheelchair, stroller/pram or scooter.  Please let me know in advance if you will have one or more of these and I will calculate the maximum guest capacity of the tour.

There are no lines on my private New York tours.  There is no standing in the rain or wasted time waiting for the next bus to come.  On my tours, guests do not have to compete with a crowd of others to see me, hear me, get my attention or ask questions.  There is no time wasted waiting for others to catch up, use the bathroom, get a snack, change babies or whatever.  You will not be huddled together with a group of strangers trailing a guide holding an orange umbrella high in the air on a bright sunny day.  

The day we ran into Hoda in Central Park.  She took the selfie!

The first thing we do when we meet for one of my private New York tours is to discuss and agree on a final itinerary for the day.  I won't waste your time seeing sights in which you have no interest.  We will also discuss the best time and place for lunch, breaks, etc.  When finalized, we will head out on an excursion planned around your interests, wants, needs and desires.  It will not be one of those tours with a canned, "one size fits all" itinerary, strict schedule and time limits.   

Click here for a complete list of my:

  Private New York Tours

Photos from Recent Tours (hover over the photo to read the caption)

Questions about my private New York tours?

Please click here to:

IMPORTANT NOTE:  I charge by the tour.  I DO NOT  charge on a per person basis.   All of my tours are private, including just you and those who come to New York with you.  The prices below are for your party of up to 6 (5 with luggage).  For example: the price for a party of 3 is the same as for a party of 6, because I charge by the tour, I DO NOT  charge on a per person basis. 

Click on photos below for specific information about individual 

Private New York Tours.

6-Hour Private Manhattan Driving Tour by Mini-Van - $999.00

6-Hour Private Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens Tour by MiniVan - $999.00

6-Hour Private In-Depth Brooklyn Tour by MiniVan - $999.00

3-Hour Private New York City Night Tour by Mini-Van - $399.00

9-Hour Private Manhattan & Brooklyn Tour by Mini-Van - $1199.00

7-Hour Private New York Sports Tour by MiniVan - $1199.00

6-Hour Private New York City Christmas Tour by Mini-Van - $999.00

Custom New York Tour (price varies by tour. click photo for details.)

Click here for a list of my  Day Trips from New York

Ask About Our Private Driving Tours where Social Distancing is Practiced

We are the Safer Way to Tour New York!!!

Only live guides on our private tours!  No recordings or headphones like the tour buses.  On our tours, you get to ask your guide questions and you get your questions answered!

New York Tours

By family in new york, inc., o ver 5,000 tours conducted, since 2006., all private, all personal, all custom, all the time.

A New York City driving tour is a much more comfortable experience for many.  With hop outs wherever you like, you can relax on this private driver-guided tour of New York City.  

Our New York City driving tour can accommodate up to 6 guests (5 with luggage). The driver-guide is both a licensed professional sightseeing guide and livery driver.  The vehilce used is licensed by the city to provide livery services.  Please see the note at the bottom of this page for important information regard the licensing of driver-guides and vehicles.

The admission-free sights available to you on this tour include:

• Central Park
• Saint Patrick’s Cathedral
• Rockefeller Center
• Times Square
• New York Public Library and Bryant Park
• Grand Central Terminal
• Hudson Yards
• Madison Square Park for views of the Flat Iron and Empire State Buildings
• High Line Park and Chelsea Market
• Greenwich Village
• Little Italy
• World Trade and 9/11 Memorial
• Wall Street
• Statue of Liberty from Shore
• Brooklyn Bridge  

Our New York City driving tour allows time out for midday lunch and you are able to choose 8 of the above 16 sights to visit.  As with all of our tours, you are welcome to prearrange with us before the day of your tour any Manhattan sights to include on your itinerary that are not listed above. 

On the day of your tour, your guide will meet you at the time and Manhattan location of your choosing for the tour to begin.  Together, you will discuss your sight selections for the day and off on your adventure you will go.  At the end of the tour, your guide will return you to the Manhattan location of your choice - back to your hotel; museum; store; restaurant; neighborhood; theater, or wherever in Manhattan you like.

If you are interested in scheduling a tour, please complete and submit a contact form from the address bar in the upper-right corner of this page.  We will verify our availablity and send you additional information. 

*Note:  this private New York City driving tour will accomodate your maxium party size of 6 guests or 5 guests with luggage.

6-Hour Private New York City Driving Tour by MiniVan - $999.00

"quantity" = the number of tours you are ordering..

AFTER SUBMITTING YOUR PAYMENT, WE WILL SEND YOU A CONFIRMATION WITHIN 24-HOURS.

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a driving tour of NYC - Manhattan Walking Tour

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• New York (NY)    
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• Manhattan Walking Tour

a driving tour of NYC

My mother-in-law is 82 years old and was unable to do the walking tour, so Gary customized a "driving tour" that loaded my mom-in-law, my sis-in-law and myself into a Cadillac SUV to drive around Manhattan and hit the highlights that we wanted to see. It was a wonderful, fun tour that didn't overly tax my mother-in-law but still met our needs. We originally booked for 3 hours but it worked so well that Gary arranged for the driver - who was very familiar with NYC - and an intern on his staff from Holland (who was a delight) to go an additional 3 more hours! Gary entertained us and my mom-in-law fell in love with him, Angel (our driver/guide), and Sophie (the intern). They felt like family. We would drive, stop at places that Gary or Angel wanted to show us, hop out of the SUV to walk a bit, then hop back in when we were ready to move on. I highly recommend the driving tour as a way to take folks around who cannot do a lot of walking and standing. We are so grateful for the experience.

This tour was the best idea I ever had. The food was to die for and the tour guide was great. He knew the answer to any question we through at him. He gave us the opportunity to experience food from 7 different cultures all within a 10 block radius of Hells Kitchen. I can still taste the hush puppies from two days ago, they were that delicious. The tour was fantastic and can't wait to go on another one!!!

our tour guide managed to flawlessly weave us through this weekend's crowd in times square, and that's saying a lot. really nice girl and well researched :)

We booked the Chinatown tour while we were already downtown, was recommended by a friend that this was a quirky, but unique experience to have in the city. Amanda was fabulous, high energy and enthusiastic about her job and the food, so so good. Chinatown can be somewhat intimidating in choosing what to eat, but she made us brave and we had such a good time. Come hungry!

My husband and I received this tour as a Christmas gift. Our children knew that we were going to New York for the new years eve celebration. We reserved our space and met Garry and the rest of the foodies at our first stop. I knew from the start that this would be a great tour. We began the tour with good conversation and great food (the perfect combination for all good times). The afternoon continued on the same track. By the end of the day, we had sampled enough food (goodies) to equal a great lunch and even greater dessert. We sampled foods from about 7 or 8 cultures while absorbing all of the historical information about the area. This is truly a must do tour!!! Thanks Garry, you really are the best!!

We enjoyed this walking tour of Hell's Kitchen and Central Park.Gary is very knowledgeable and proud of his neighborhood.We loved the variety of food found on 9th ave.and we wish we had scheduled this tour earlier so we could return on another day to the restaurants visited. We returned to ATL the next morning but next time we will schedule a different tour and have the time to return to both sets of restaurants. Great tour!

10 Best Road Trips from NYC + MAP

Home | Travel | North America | United States | New York | NYC | 10 Best Road Trips from NYC + MAP

Manhattan isn’t far from some of the most beautiful places in the Eastern U.S., so if you’ve been thinking of taking a road trip from New York City , I highly recommend it!

From historic cities and resort towns to beaches and majestic mountains, there are many things to discover just a few hours from the Big Apple. If you’re willing to drive a bit further, I’ve got even more NYC road trip ideas for you!

Also, in case you’re visiting Manhattan from out-of-town, you can rent a car in NYC for your road trip. We always use DiscoverCars because they have the cheapest rates and operate nationwide.

1. Ithaca & the Finger Lakes, NY, one of the best road trips from New York City

♦   225 miles, 4 hrs 30 mins total driving

Traveling northwest through the Pocono Mountains, you can make your way to Ithaca, NY , one of the best drivable vacations from NYC . Ithaca offers a nice blend of cultural institutions, natural areas, and recreation, so it’s a lovely year-round destination.

As a college town, Ithaca is home to interesting attractions like the Museum of the Earth, the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, and the Cornell Botanic Garden, among others. Also, the city is at the southern tip of Cayuga Lake , one of the most popular Finger Lakes .

The Finger Lakes region is 9,000 square miles, encompassing 11 thin lakes, a national forest, ski resorts, tons of wineries, and beautiful state parks. Savor the scenery and tastes of the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail , marvel at the artistic creations at the Corning Museum of Glass, and enjoy lovely hiking routes like the Finger Lakes Trail .

A visit to Ithaca and the Finger Lakes is one of the best road trips from NYC , and the drive isn’t too long, so you can venture to lots of different places. I highly recommend going to Buttermilk Falls State Park or Watkins Glen , one of our favorite places to visit in New York state .

2. Niagara Falls, NY, one of the most popular road trips from NYC

♦   400 miles, 6 hrs 45 mins total driving

Niagara Falls is one of the best tours from NYC that you can take as a family or a couple. The American side of the falls offers beautiful viewpoints and plenty of activities ranging from thrilling to romantic.

For example, the Cave of the Winds attraction and the Maid of the Mist boat ride are two of the best things to do in Niagara Falls, NY . Both will give you an up-close view of the waterfalls, so be prepared to get wet! There are other ways to see the falls, including the lookout areas at Terrapin Point and Prospect Point . You can also go to the top of the observation tower or even take a helicopter tour .

If you don’t want to drive, consider a tour to Niagara Falls from NYC like this full-day bus tour or this two-day trip , more convenient since will give you more time.

You can also extend this road trip from NYC to Niagara Falls by crossing the border into Canada. Here, you can see the Canadian side of Niagara falls and explore downtown Toronto.

3. Lake Placid (The Adirondacks), NY, the best road trip from NYC to upstate New York

♦   290 miles, 5 hrs total driving

Lake Placid is one of the best road trips from NYC if you want to stay in-state. Along the way, you can pass through Saratoga Springs , a popular resort town with intriguing and potentially health-boosting mineral springs. If you go here, be sure to also visit Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, Saratoga Spa State Park, and the Geyser Island Spouter.

Then, continue your drive into the Adirondacks , where you’ll find Lake Placid, an ideal destination for a winter vacation. The recreational activities on Whiteface Mountain are plentiful, ranging from alpine skiing and bobsledding to sliding down the toboggan chute.

If you travel from NYC to Lake Placid in the summer, you’ll have your pick of hiking routes, including the Avalanche Lake Trail, the Cascade Mountain Trail, and the Mount Jo Loop. You’ll also want to spend time at Mirror Lake , a stunning watercourse where you can camp, kayak, and paddleboard.

I also recommend a visit to High Falls Gorge , a nearby park with an easy yet gorgeous hiking trail over rushing waterfalls.

4. Boston, MA, one of the best NYC road trip ideas

The driving distance from NYC to Boston is short enough to warrant a weekend road trip. Boston is one of the closest cities to NYC and a haven for foodies, history buffs, and art lovers, so it’s no wonder why it’s one of the top day trips from NYC .

A few must-see attractions to visit while you’re here include the Prudential Tower and its 50th-floor observatory, the scenic Boston Harbor waterfront, and the Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Greenway . The latter is a downtown park with beautiful gardens, plazas, and public art, and it serves as a thoroughfare between Chinatown and the North End.

It’s also worth spending some time at the Boston Public Garden , the deCordova Museum & Sculpture Park , or one of the museums at Harvard . Later, you can relax at the Boston Common , the city’s main park, perhaps with a lobster roll or Fenway frank.

You can streamline your day trip from NYC to Boston by taking this tour  from Manhattan, or consider extending your adventure with a pitstop in Westerly or Newport, Rhode Island. Westerly is a popular resort town in New England with pretty beaches, while Newport sits on the Narragansett Bay. In addition to its 17th-century architecture, it offers coastal cruises, sailing, and vineyards.

5. Montreal, Quebec, a great road trip from NYC to Canada

♦   375 miles, 6 hrs 10 mins total driving

If you have a valid passport, a New York to Montreal road trip is a must-do! Montreal is one of the most unique cities in Quebec and all of Canada. With its primarily French-speaking population and its incredible 17th-century architecture, Montreal feels like a storybook setting.

As you stroll through the city streets, take in the striking colonial buildings and historic monuments, such as the Palace Royale , the Citadelle de Québec , and the Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral . The narrow cobblestone streets, aromatic bakeries, and sidewalk cafes of Old Montreal exude a Parisian charm, and certainly make driving from New York to Canada well worth it!

The Ramparts of Montreal surround the old city and date back to 1716 when they were built as a protective fortification. They’re a sight to behold, as is the Château Frontenac , a castle-like hotel and National Historic Landmark. It’s next to Dufferin Terrace , a lovely waterfront promenade along the St. Lawrence River where you can people-watch and feel the breeze.

Besides admiring the history and culture of Montreal, the best thing you can do is a whale watching tour in Quebec . Seeing whales, dolphins, and seals in the wild is a magical experience, and I recommend doing the tour on your first or second day here, so you can repeat it if you don’t see any cetaceans.

6. Portland & Acadia National Park, the best road trip from NYC to Maine

♦   490 miles, 8 hrs total driving

Consider a multi-day road trip from NYC to Maine for a unique outdoor adventure. I specifically recommend Portland , a lovely New England city with a vibrant Arts District full of museums and galleries. Check out the Portland Museum of Art and the SPACE Gallery , a visual arts and performance venue. If you’re traveling with kids, the Children’s Museum of Maine is worth a visit.

Soak in the charm of the Portland Head Lighthouse and the Portland Observatory , and if there is a food festival happening during your trip, I highly recommend checking it out! Also, don’t forget to spend some time at the Old Port and the waterfront, where you can walk along the Eastern Promenade and take a harbor cruise.

After spending time in Portland, travel three hours north to Acadia National Park , one of the best drivable vacations from NYC . Here, you can escape into nature and see one of the tallest peaks in the country, Cadillac Mountain . You’ll love driving along the historic carriage roads or hiking along the exposed cliffsides of Precipice Trail or Beehive Trail .

Otter Cliff is a popular climbing spot, while Bubble Rock and Thunder Hole are two interesting formations. You must also visit the Bass Harbor Head Light , a picturesque lighthouse and one of the park’s top landmarks. The summer months offer kayaking and swimming at the park’s beaches while skiing and snowshoeing are common winter activities.

7. Tour through New England, the best fall road trip from New York City

♦   430 miles, 7 hrs 20 mins total driving

Without a doubt, one of the best fall road trips from NYC is this ultimate excursion through New England. Start with a three-hour drive to Mystic, CT , one of the best weekend getaways from NYC . Mystic’s small-town charm is evident in its picture-perfect parks, scenic river, and historic sites. Check out the Mystic Museum of Art, the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, or Olde Mistick Village, a living-history museum.

Then, head an hour northeast to Providence, RI , one of the oldest cities in the U.S. Admire the works of art at the RISD Museum, learn some history at the State House, and stroll through the Roger Williams Park Botanical Center, the largest glasshouse garden in New England. I also recommend spending time in Federal Hill, Providence’s downtown district.

The next leg of this family road trip from NYC brings you to Boston, MA , a wonderful city that I’ve already mentioned. Take your time soaking in the culture of Boston, then head to Stowe, VT , passing through the breathtaking foliage of New Hampshire along the way.

Once in Stowe, enjoy some time outdoors at Smuggler’s Notch State Park, Moss Glen Falls, and Sterling Falls Gorge. The Vermont Ski & Snowboard Museum is a fun attraction and may entice you to hit the skiing or hiking trails. Satisfy your sweet tooth at the Ben & Jerry’s Factory, and if you’re a fan of The Sound of Music , don’t forget to visit the Trapp Family Lodge.

8. Philadelphia & Washington, D.C., a fun family road trip from NYC

♦   235 miles, 4 hrs 10 mins total driving

Driving from New York to Philadelphia takes less than two hours, so it’s perfect for a weekend road trip from NYC. Philadelphia is one of the most important cities in the country, so take advantage of your time in Manhattan to see this historic place!

Of all the top things to do in Philly , visiting Independence National Historical Park is a must-do. Here, you can see the Liberty Bell and visit Independence Hall, as well as City Hall and the Betsy Ross House a few blocks away. I also recommend visiting one or two museums along the Ben Franklin Parkway , checking out the waterfront at Penn’s Landing , and stopping by Franklin Square .

Also, you may want to maximize your time with this full-day trip to Philly and nearby Amish Country. Or, if you’d like to see another major city, do this day trip from NYC to Philly and Washington, D.C.

As the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C. is a haven for museum and history lovers. Exploring the Smithsonian Museums along the National Mall is one of the best things to do in Washington, D.C ., although choosing which museum to visit is difficult.

Of course, you must walk past the White House and contemplate the memorials and monuments to George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Jefferson, Martin Luther King, Jr., and other historic figures. Also, pay your respects at the Vietnam Veterans , Korean War Veterans , and World War II Memorials .

9. Outer Banks, the best summer road trip from NYC to North Carolina

♦   475 miles, 10 hrs 15 mins total driving

The Outer Banks make for one of the best beach road trips from NYC . It’s a long drive, so I recommend breaking up the trip with a stop at Cape May , one of the top New Jersey beaches .

Cape May is a National Historic Landmark at the southern tip of Jersey, and it’s known for its Victorian mansions, B&Bs, and pretty beaches. Keep an eye out for dolphins, or do a Cape May whale-watching tour !

From here, you can take the Cape May-Lewes Ferry over to Delaware, and continue driving south to Virginia Beach . This beautiful resort town is home to seaside attractions like the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, the Cape Henry Lighthouse, and the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. There are also state parks, museums, and wineries here, so you can tailor your itinerary to your tastes.

Outer Banks is 2.5 hours from Virginia Beach, and besides its tranquil beaches, it offers unique oceanfront attractions. Check out the striking black-and-white-striped lighthouse along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore and the impressive dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park. The stately Elizabethan Gardens are worth a visit, as are the shipwrecks at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum. There are ample recreational activities here, including golfing, hang-gliding, and jet skiing, so this is one NY to North Carolina road trip you won’t forget!

10. Road trip to the Pennsylvania Wilds, a great road trip from NYC for nature lovers

♦   265 miles, 5 hrs 30 mins total driving

One of the things we learned during our time living in Philadelphia was that Pennsylvania is full of stunning natural areas. I couldn’t end this list of NYC road trip ideas without mentioning the PA Wilds.

The Pennsylvania Wilds is a huge area encompassing over 2 million acres of forests, parks, trails, rivers, and the largest free-roaming elk herd in the northeastern U.S. Some of the most beautiful parts of the PA Wilds are Cherry Springs State Park and Pine Creek Gorge . The former is a fantastic stargazing spot, while the latter is a geological wonder offering amazing views. Here, you can go hiking along the Pine Creek Rail Trail or Golden Eagle Trail. You’ll see why this region is called the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania!

I recommend maximizing this road trip from NYC by visiting two other popular places in Pennsylvania . First, the Poconos is one of my favorite places in PA. It’s known for its ski resorts, although you can come here in the summer for warm-weather activities like hiking, camping, and white-water rafting . The Pocono Mountains are also home to Bushkill Falls , which are often called “The Niagara of Pennsylvania,” and amazing state parks like Promised Land, Lehigh Gorge, and Hickory Run.

Another worthy stop is Ricketts Glen , an old-growth forest and National Natural Landmark. This scenic area is full of waterfalls, rock formations, and beautiful flora, and we even run photo tours here.

I hope this guide gave you some NYC road trip ideas ! Here is a map with all of the road trips I recommend, so you can plan your itinerary.

If you’d like to share your favorite road trip from New York City or a route that you plan to do, leave me a comment below. Until then, have an awesome trip!

Ascen Aynat

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The 9 Best All-Season Road Trips From New York

One of the best ways to enjoy your vacation in New York is by renting a car and driving to beautiful, historic cities and states like New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Virginia, and the Carolinas. Each is easily reached within a day’s drive, making the possibilities for exploring beyond New York in any season endless.

You'll also love this:

• The 27 Best Day Trips From New York
• The 15 Best Fall Day Trips from NYC

Below we are sharing our favorite 7-day road trips from New York as well our favorite weekend road trips, too. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the cities and states around New York, so we hope this guide to NY road trips inspires you for your next trip!

As a note before we get started, each of these suggested road trips starts and ends in New York.

Table of Contents

Our Favorite 7-Day Road Trips From New York

7-day road trip from new york to vermont and new hampshire.

After planning a packed visit to New York, with all its museums, restaurants, and Broadway shows, take a road trip to Vermont and New Hampshire to really enjoy one of America’s most beautiful spots. With New Hampshire about four and a half hours by car from New York and Vermont just an hour or two from New Hampshire, this is a trip that prioritizes time outside.

Head to Bretton Woods in New Hampshire in the White Mountain National Forest for some of the region’s best snowshoeing in the winter and incredible mountain biking and hiking during the summer. Over in Vermont, the Killington Resort is one of the region’s biggest, also offering snowmobile tours, a tubing park, and more.

Wondering when to plan your Vermont and New Hampshire road trip? It’s easy to take advantage of your preferred season. For skiing in Vermont and New Hampshire, the snowfall can start in November and often lasts until mid-April. For hiking and fishing, come in the summer. For the stunning colors of changing leaves, come in autumn. 

Roadtrip from NYC to Watkins Glen and Letchworth State Parks, Niagara Falls and 1000 Islands

We have again made a great tour from New York: The route leads once through the entire state of New York, with Niagara Falls on the northeastern border with Canada, along the beautiful Finger Lakes to the 1000 Islands on the northeastern border. You can expect a beautiful landscape with many farms, rivers and dreamlike nature.

After this tour, which incidentally follows the course of the Erie Canal, which is largely responsible for the rise of New York City, you can also proudly claim to have been in Lebanon, Athens, Rome, London, Amsterdam, Russia and Hamburg. Because all of these places are located along this great road trip.

The next road trip from New York on my list is quite similar but you spend more time in Canada with Toronto and Montreal on your list.

7-Day Road Trip From New York to Canada

Did you know that New York shares a border with Canada? It can be easy to forget with all of the focus on Manhattan that New York state is actually a fairly big state – and one that connects with America’s neighbor the north.

For a break from New York city life and to experience Canadian culture, you’ll enjoy a weeklong road trip to Canada with stops at Niagara Falls (even taking a boat underneath the falls!), Toronto (where you can size up the city with the view from the CN Tower), and Montreal (where you’ll see the French influence is still alive and well).

Driving from New York to Niagara Falls will take just under seven hours. From there, you’ll drive for two hours to Toronto. Toronto to Montreal is about five and a half hours. Then returning to New York will take about five hours. Though chillier in the winter, this is a beautiful roadtrip from NYC to take no matter the season.

This road trip from New York is also available as a guided 5-day tour. You can find out more about it here 👇

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Get To Know America’s Roots on this Roadtrip from New York

New York can feel like the most American of cities: lots of cultures, lots of opportunity, lots of, well, everything. If you want to spend some time getting to know American history, then use a weeklong road trip to head to Washington D.C. and Virginia.

In Washington, D.C., which is about fours from Manhattan by car, you’ll find the National Mall, one of the most concentrated and impressive collections of museums in the United States. Continuing onto Virginia, which was home to four of America’s first five presidents, you can visit living-history museums like the Jamestown Settlement and Colonial Williamsburg.

After your fill of culture and history, you can take advantage of the stunning Shenandoah Valley before taking a four-hour drive over to Virginia’s Eastern Shore to soak up the ocean sprays.

Given this mix of city visits and natural parks, this is a trip that’s enjoyable throughout the year.

Taste Southern Hospitality in South Carolina on this roadtrip from NYC

After a few hectic days in the hustle and bustle of New York, a trip down the coast to South Carolina can be a wonderful experience. The total driving time from Manhattan down to South Carolina is about 11 hours. Spread out over six or seven days, that means you can enjoy visits to the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway in Asheville, North Carolina on your way to Hilton Head and Charleston, South Carolina.

So-called the Birthplace of Barbecue , South Carolina is as much a culinary destination as a cultural one. Enjoy the change of pace and scenery over your weeklong road trip as you enjoy true Southern Hospitality.

If you’re planning a winter vacation in New York, South Carolina may be a bit warmer, offering you a chance to thaw out. During the summer it can be more humid. Either way, the barbecue is always delicious and the people are always charming.

Roadtrip from NYC to Boston, White Mountains, Niagara Falls and Washington D.C.

This tour along the East Coast is one of the most impressive road trips I have taken in the USA so far. In October 2016, my father and I started in New York – where else?! I wanted to show him why I have loved this city so much for years and which spots are close to my heart. 

In total, this route takes you a total of 1,600 miles through 12 US states. What are our highlights of this road trip on the East Coast of the USA for us, I show you here in the travel review.

History And Food In And Around Philadelphia

If you are looking for an amazing weekend road trip adventure from New York look no further! Apart from being known for Rocky’s hometown, Philadelphia is also one of America’s most iconic and historical cities. It’s even where the signing of the Declaration of Independence happened on August 2nd, 1776! So if you’re looking to add a weekend trip onto your time in New York, Philadelphia and a few of its surrounding cities could make for a great choice.

At just under two hours by car (and even less by train!) Philadelphia is an easy trip from New York. Along with stopping by to see the Liberty Bell at Independence Hall, you can also see the birthplace of the American flag and the Museum of the American Revolution (before taking a lunch break to grab a renowned Philly Cheesesteak).

To make a weekend of it, it’s worth turning toward the countryside and heading toward Brandywine Valley. Filled with quaint towns and rolling hills, the region also has a number of renowned wineries making up the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail. 

And what pairs with wine better than chocolate? Just an hour and a half by car to the west, Hershey is the birthplace of Hershey chocolate and the so-called Sweetest Place on Earth. Ideal for families, Hershey features the Hershey Story Museum, Hershey’s Chocolate World, and Hershey Gardens.

Though there are a number of Christmastime activities that make for even sweeter seasonal celebrations, the attractions are open year-round, making Philadelphia, Brandywine, and Hershey a great weekend trip to take from New York.

My tip: An additional stop in Washington D.C. is a great extension to this road trip from New York. Besides the White House, you can visit the Lincoln Memorial, the famous Smithsonian Museums, the United States Capitol or the Washington Monument.

Hike Upstate New York: One Of The Best Weekend Road Trip Adventures From New York

When you want to get out of the city for a few days, hiking in upstate New York is one of the best options. No matter the time of year, hiking in the Adirondacks, the Catskills, and the surrounding regions always offers incredible views, serene nature, and charming small-town atmosphere. 

To get to the Adirondacks from Manhattan, you’ll need about four and a half hours in a car. Perfect for a morning start and a leisurely afternoon hike. Among some of our favorite Adirondack adventures are the Ausable Chasm (which also has white-water rafting for those summer month trips), Cascade Mountain (the supposed easiest of the 46 High Peaks), Mount Marcy (the highest of the 46 High Peaks), and the Saranac Lake 6er (a delightful hiking challenge you can try and tackle in a single weekend).

At just over two hours driving time, the Catskills are an even more accessible weekend trip from New York. With stunning waterfall hikes (don’t miss the Haines Falls!), the Hunter Mountain Fire Tower (one of the region’s most challenging hikes), and plentiful Nordic skiing and snowshoeing , there are plenty of outdoors activities to choose from.

With well-marked trails for any season, you’ll find the snowy hikes and the summertime strolls equally enjoyable. Just make sure you’re dressed for the occasion!

Go Wine Tasting In The Finger Lakes

Want to taste some of the best wine in New York? Soak up the small-town life in some of the state’s quaintest towns? Enjoy some idyllic lakes?

Then it’s time to head to the Finger Lakes Region. Located in upstate New York, the Finger Lakes is home to towns like Ithaca (and Cornell University, the region’s Ivy League), Watkins Glen (some of the best hiking in the area), and Geneva ( recent winner of the All-America City award ).

If you’re looking to get your wine on, the Finger Lakes themselves have four official wine trails ready to be embarked on. This includes

• the Canandaigua Lake Wine Trail
• the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail (“America’s First Wine Trail”)
• the Keuka Lake Wine Trail,
• and the Seneca Lake Wine Trail.

From Manhattan to the Finger Lakes, you can expect to spend about 5 hours in the car. Perfect for a Friday departure with a few roadside attractions, a lazy Saturday, and then a return late Sunday afternoon. With wine-tasting rooms and events all year round, the time is always right to stop by the Finger Lakes.

Which Road Trip or Day Trip from New York is the Best?

Check out my free road trip advisor that will help you choose from over 30 road trips and day trips to suit your needs!

Frequently Asked Questions About Road Trips From New York

If I rent a car, does my road trip have to end back at New York?

Nope! Most rental car agencies are flexible with the return location for your rental car. There may, however, be a slight surcharge for returning it in a different spot than you started.  

Which states make up the New England region?

This is one of the most gorgeous areas to visit during the autumn. But for those not familiar with the area, the name can be a little misleading. New England is the name given to a northeastern region of the U.S., and it includes Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island.  

What’s the best time of year to do a road trip from New York?

There’s an argument to be made for each season. New York City is the hottest during the summer, so a road trip can be a nice way to escape the heat and explore some of the amazing nature around it. If you’re planning to spend time exploring other cities, a road trip in the spring and fall will give you the most agreeable temperatures. And if you’re planning to do some winter sports, then the winter season will work best. The only risk with winter is, naturally, that a large snowstorm could make travel by road difficult. Fortunately, the region is well-prepared to handle this kind of weather and delays would likely be minimal.

The 27 Absolute Best Day Trips from NYC in 2024

The Best Fall Weekend Getaways From NYC + Day Trips

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide . Also check out my hotel finder for New York !

Get exclusive content, real insider tips, and the best deals in NYC for FREE!

Start of your trip: We will remind you with current events when you are in NYC!

Virtual Road Trip

by virtualvacation.us

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Virtual Road Trip lets you experience road trips through highways, interstates, and cities from around the globe.

• 47 minutes San Jose San Francisco View Drive
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• 5 hours Glascow London View Drive
• 4 hours Istanbul Izmir View Drive
• 2 hours Istanbul Ankara View Drive
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• 20 minutes Copenhagen Birkerrod View Drive
• 1 hour Brisbane Gold Coast View Drive

Let others take roadtrips from home.

Click the button below to head to the homepage. After that, you'll be prompted to view more modes of travelling. We currently support, walking, driving, flying and live video. Choose wisely! The choice is yours!

Monument Explorer lets you experience the wonders of monuments around the world. For example, take a walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. Or even experience a 1,070 foot skyscraper building!

Take a stroll in over 50 cities around the worold! As you watch, admire and celebrate the differences of each culture. While taking in the sceneary, be reminded of how each nations culture and leadership affects the well being of the people.

View the city of your choice from above and enjoy a magnificent sightseeing adventure. As you watch, think of the differences in culture, wealth, and prosperity in each country you view from above.

Click the box to Go Drive footage from around the world. While viewing, you'll be able to see the true face and culture of people around the world. Have fun and admire the scenery!

Supercar Tour CATSKILL MOUNTAINS HUNTER, NEW YORK

• May 20 - June 2, 2024 Book Now
• Not Sure? Buy a Gift Card

ENJOY A SUPERCAR TOUR THROUGH THE BEST ROADS OF THE CATSKILL MOUNTAINS IN NEW YORK

Wind your way through the heart of the Catskill Mountains. This unique driving experience offers stunning roads carved through unforgettable mountain scenery, waterways, rolling farmland, and more.

The Supercar Fleet

Enjoy these amazing supercars on the open road, supercar driving tours.

Spend a day testing out the performance of iconic supercars against the picturesque backdrop of the Catskill Mountains. This supercar playground sets the tone for the ultimate driving experience away from the busyness of the Big Apple. Rivers, lakes, and breathtaking vistas surround you as you snake through the long winding roads of the Catskills. 

Drive  THREE  of the world’s best cars including the Ferrari 488 Spyder, Lamborghini Huracan Spyder and Porsche 911/992 GT3.

Step away from the hustle and bustle of New York City life and explore the Catskill Mountains in the driver’s seat of world-class supercars. You will discover hidden rivers and lakes as you navigate long stretches of dense forestry and marvelous hillsides. This scenic byway is the ultimate getaway for aerial views that will simply take your breath away.

Discover the beauty of the Catskill Mountains with miles of road through rolling mountains – the epitome of idyllic driving. Tight corners, elevation changes, and straights of tree-lined roads make this tour a driving bliss for car enthusiasts of any kind. 

Choose from the Ferrari 488 Spyder, Lamborghini Huracan Spyder or Porsche 911/992 GT3.

Meet us in the Catskill Mountains, where luxury and performance meet an endless array of dense greenery. Snake the scenic byways of colliding forests as you take in unrivaled views of passing creeks and lakes.  

Starting Point:

Catskill Mountains

Kaatskill Mountain Club 62 Liftside Dr • Hunter, NY 12442

Travel Times:

Albany: 1 hour

New York: 2 hrs 30 Minutes

Hartford: 2 hrs 30 Minutes

All Supercar Tours will take place in the iconic Catskill Mountain region on expertly curated back roads.

BEST DRIVER’S CARS

Experience a handpicked selection of the world’s best supercars including the most desirable offerings from Ferrari, Lamborghini, Mercedes and Porsche.

BEST DRIVING ROADS

All roads are not created equal which is why we found the best roads in America for you to enjoy. From switchbacks to sweepers and open straights to stunning vistas, your senses will be fully engaged.

SHARE THE JOURNEY

Bring a loved one, friend, or colleague on an adventure of a lifetime. Passenger and co-driver options available.

CORPORATE EVENTS

A highly engaging turnkey event to entertain or reward groups of 4-24. Strengthen relationships during 1-on-1 time in cars. Catering and meeting space available.

PRE-PLANNED ROUTES

Routes have been scouted for the best driving dynamics, spectacular views and minimal traffic.

PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE

Our guides leverage extensive backgrounds in motorsports, racing and driving instruction to help you get the most out of your drive on the open road.

**Affirm Financing: Your rate will be 10-36% based on credit, and is subject to an eligibility check. Payment options through Affirm  are provided by these lending partners:  affirm .com/lenders . Options depend on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required. Example: A $500 purchase might cost $42.40/month over 12 months at 15% APR.

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NYC Five Boro Bike Tour 2024: Street closures

UNITED STATES -May 7: Thousands of Bicyclists take part in the Five Boro Bike Tour, some of whom are seen here as they travel along the Gowanus Expressway in Brooklyn on Sunday, May 7, 2023. (Photo by Theodore Parisienne for NY Daily News via Getty I (Getty Images)

NEW YORK CITY - The TD Five Boro Bike Tour is returning to NYC this Sunday, May 5.

At 7:30 a.m., cyclists will begin their 40-mile journey in Manhattan, will ride through the boroughs, and will finish at Ford Wadsworth in Staten Island.

Cyclists can expect showers with a high of 58.

Map of bike tour route

(Courtesy of Bike New York )

Here's a list of street closures this Sunday:

• Greenwich Street between Battery Place and Morris Street
• Trinity Place between Morris Street and Liberty Street
• Church Street between Liberty Street and Canal Street
• Chambers Street between Broadway and West Broadway
• Worth Street between Broadway and West Broadway
• Canal Street between Broadway and 6th Avenue
• 6th Avenue between Franklin Street and West 59th Street
• West 59th Street between 6th Avenue and 5th Avenue
• Grand Army Plaza between West 59th Street and East Drive
• East Drive between Grand Army Plaza and Center Drive
• Center Drive between 5th Avenue and East Drive
• East Drive between Center Drive and Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard
• Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard between West 110th Street and West 135th Street
• East / West 135th Street between Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard and Madison Avenue
• Madison Avenue between East 135th Street and East 138th Street
• Madison Avenue Bridge (Bronx-bound)
• Harlem River Drive / FDR Drive (Southbound) between 3rd Avenue Bridge and East 116th Street
• East 116th Street between FDR Drive and Pleasant Avenue
• Pleasant Avenue between East 116th Street and East 114th Street
• Harlem River Drive / FDR Drive (Southbound) between 116th Street and 63rd Street Exit
• East 63rd Street between FDR Drive (Southbound) and Queensboro Bridge Exit
• Queensboro Bridge Exit between East 63rd Street and East 60th Street
• Queensboro Bridge Upper Level (Manhattan-bound)
• Broad Street between Pearl Street and South Street
• Broadway between Morris Street and Battery Place
• South Street between Broad Street and Whitehall Street
• Whitehall Street between South Street and Water Street
• Water Street between Whitehall Street and Broad Street
• 138th Street between Madison Avenue Bridge and 3rd Avenue
• 3rd Avenue between 138th Street and 3rd Avenue Bridge
• Rider Avenue between 138th Street and 137th Street
• 137th Street between Rider Avenue and 3rd Avenue
• 3rd Avenue Bridge (Manhattan-bound)
• 21st Street between Queens Plaza South and Hoyt Avenue North
• Queens Plaza South between 21st Street and Vernon Boulevard / Alternate Route
• Hoyt Avenue North between 21st Street and 19th Street
• 19th Street between Hoyt Avenue North and Ditmars Boulevard
• Ditmars Boulevard between 19th Street and Shore Boulevard
• Shore Boulevard between Ditmars Boulevard and Astoria Park South
• Astoria Park South between Shore Boulevard and 14th Street
• 14th Street between Astoria Park South and 31st Avenue
• 31st Avenue between 14th Street and Vernon Boulevard
• Vernon Boulevard between 31st Avenue and 44th Drive
• 44th Drive between Vernon Boulevard and 11th Street
• 11th Street between 44th Drive and Pulaski Bridge
• Pulaski Bridge (Brooklyn-bound)
• McGuiness Boulevard between Pulaski Bridge and Greenpoint Avenue
• Java Street between McGuinness Boulevard and Franklin Street
• Greenpoint Avenue between McGuinness Boulevard and Franklin Street
• Franklin Street between Java Street and North 14th Street
• Kent Avenue between North 14th Street and Williamsburg Street West
• Williamsburg Street West between Kent Avenue and Flushing Avenue
• Flushing Avenue between Williamsburg Street West and Navy Street
• North Elliot Place between Flushing Avenue and Park Avenue
• Navy Street between Flushing Avenue and York Street
• York Street between Navy Street and Gold Street
• Gold Street between York Street and Front Street
• Front Street between Gold Street and Old Fulton Street
• Old Fulton between Furman Street and Prospect Street
• Cadman Plaza West between Prospect Street and Tillary Street
• Tillary Street between Cadman Plaza West and Adams Street
• Brooklyn Bridge Promenade between Tillary Street and Centre Street
• Furman Street between Old Fulton Street and Atlantic Avenue
• Atlantic Avenue between Furman Street and Columbia Street
• Columbia Street between Atlantic Avenue and BQE West Entrance Columbia Street
• BQE / Gowanus Expressway between BQE West Entrance Columbia Street and Verrazano
• Verrazano Bridge Lower Level (Staten Island-bound)

Staten Island

• Bay Street between New York Avenue and Hylan Boulevard
• Hylan Boulevard between Bay Street and Edgewater Street
• Edgewater Street/ Front Street between Hylan Boulevard and Hannah Street
• Hannah Street between Front Street and Bay Street
• Bay Street between Hannah Street and Richmond Terrace
• Richmond Terrace between Bay Street and Nicholas Street Wall Street between Richmond Terrace and Dead End

NYC 5 Boro Bike Tour 2024: Everything you need to know about parking on Staten Island

• Updated: Apr. 29, 2024, 3:42 p.m. |
• Published: Apr. 27, 2024, 1:00 p.m.

More than 32,000 participants in the NYC Five Boro Bike Tour will descend upon New York City on May 5, and they’ll finish their 40-mile journey in Fort Wadsworth. (Staten Island Advance/Derek Alvez).

• Ann Marie Barron | [email protected]

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — More than 32,000 participants in the TD NYC Five Boro Bike Tour will descend upon New York City on Sunday, May 5, and they’ll finish their 40-mile journey in Fort Wadsworth.

The event is billed as the largest charity bike ride in the world, with participants riding through all five boroughs of the city.

They’ll cross five major bridges, including the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, which will signal to riders that the Ford Wadsworth finish, and the Finish Festival, is near.

Streets throughout the city will be closed that day along the route, and parking will be difficult for participants and spectators, who are advised to park their car on Staten Island for easy access by ferry to the Bowling Green start in Manhattan.

It’ll also be convenient for cyclists, who won’t have to travel far to their car at the end of the race.

Paid parking in lots at the Staten Island Ferry in St. George are limited, due to ongoing construction, but there are several municipal lots nearby.

Another option would be to park near a Staten Island Railway station a few stops from the Staten Island Ferry. This is a good way to find free parking. Simply hop on the Staten Island Railway, head to the ferry, and off you go to the race start. Bikes are permitted on the train.

Paid Parking

• Empire Outlets Parking

Hours: 24/7

Cost: $25/day

Note: The Empire Outlets garage will be accessible for parking only until 8:30 a.m. on Tour day.

• Saint George Courthouse Garage and Parking Lot

Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Cost: $12/day (Subject to change)

Pay with cash or credit card (no debit card)

• 25 Wall Street

Cost: $15/day (Subject to change)

Pay with cash, credit, or debit card.

Cars that park without checking in with an attendant are subject to being booted. Riders must comply with all posted rules and regulations.

• 325 St. Marks Place
• South Beach Field #4, 446 Father Capodanno Blvd

Parking is on a first-come, first-served basis. Participants parking at South Beach can cycle to the Staten Island Ferry in order to get to the Start Area in lower Manhattan.

MTA Staten Island Railway

Cyclists may find luck parking on local streets near any stop, or in a free Staten Island Railway Park-and-Ride at Dongan Hills, Great Kills, Annadale, Prince’s Bay, or Huguenot stations. Municipal parking lots are also available at Great Kills and Stapleton stations.

From there, participants and fans can easily then hop on a train to the Staten Island Ferry.

Bicycles will be allowed on the trains, and you can board at any Staten Island Railway station.

MetroCard fares are collected as you enter and exit at the St. George and Tompkinsville stations. Visit www.mta.info or dial 511 for more information.

NYC Five Boro Bike Tour 2024

• NYC 5 Boro Bike Tour 2024: Here’s what we know about whether cyclists will have to pay lost bridge tolls
• Weather forecast for NYC 5 Boro Bike Tour 2024 calls for rain, cool temperatures
• NYC 5 Boro Bike Tour 2024: Will the Verrazzano Bridge be closed on Sunday?
• NYC 5 Boro Bike Tour 2024: What cyclists need to know about riding the Staten Island Ferry

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NYC 5 Boro Bike Tour 2024: What cyclists need to know about riding the Staten Island Ferry

M ay 1—STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — On Sunday, May 5, the Staten Island Ferry will once again be called upon to bring cyclists back to Manhattan after the TD NYC Five Boro Bike Tour.

Last year, over 30,000 cyclists participated in the event, with many of them opting to take the ferry back home.

The 40-mile bike tour spans the city's five boroughs, beginning in Lower Manhattan and traveling briefly into the Bronx, before heading to Queens, Brooklyn and finally crossing the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to conclude near the St. George Ferry Terminal.

Ferry crews are in for a busy day as the big orange boat offers the quickest way for Staten Islanders to reach the starting line and for everyone else to return to other parts of the city after completing the course.

The Staten Island Ferry will provide 30-minute service from 6 to 11 a.m. on Sunday. After that, the boat will run on a 15-minute schedule from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The ferry will then return to its regularly scheduled 30-minute service from 6 p.m. onward.

Bike New York, organizers of the Five Boro Bike Tour, noted that lines to take the ferry back to Manhattan could be long starting from the the early afternoon.

All cyclists must board the boat on the lower level at both the Whitehall Terminal in Manhattan and the St. George Terminal, located at 1 Bay St. on Staten Island.

Riders must dismount and walk their bicycle while in the waiting area and when boarding and departing the boat. Riding on and off the boat is prohibited.

All bicycles must be stored in the designated area on the lower level of each vessel.

The Staten Island Ferry is free of charge for all passengers and bicycles.

The Department of Transportation, the agency that operates the Staten Island Ferry, is not responsible for any stolen or damaged bicycles.

Riders may be subject to security screenings at the terminal.

NYC Five Boro Bike Tour 2024

—NYC 5 Boro Bike Tour 2024: Will the Verrazzano Bridge be closed on Sunday?

—NYC Five Boro Bike Tour 2024: Are e-bikes allowed on the route?

—NYC 5 Boro Bike Tour 2024: Everything you need to know about parking on Staten Island

(c)2024 Staten Island Advance, N.Y. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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How Columbia University became the driving force behind protests over the war in Gaza

Associated Press

Copyright The Associated Press 2024

Pro-Palestinian protesters gather near an area where people were being taken into custody near the Columbia University campus in New York, Tuesday, April 30, 2024, after a campus encampment and a campus building, taken over by protesters earlier in the day, were cleared by New York City police. (AP Photo/Craig Ruttle)

As the two-week standoff between pro-Palestinian protesters and college administrators at Columbia University in New York came to a head on Tuesday, officials anxiously monitored whether the fallout would spark more protests on college campuses around the country or quell what has been a growing movement.

Protesters at Columbia dug in, taking over an academic building that has a history of being occupied by student protesters going back nearly 60 years to the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War. The escalation came after the passing of a Monday deadline issued by the university's administration for protesters to leave an encampment.

Recommended Videos

A timeline illustrating how Columbia University became the driving force behind protests on college campuses across the country:

Students set up an encampment at Columbia University the same day university president Nemat Shafik is called for questioning before Congress. Shafik is heavily criticized by Republicans who accuse her of not doing enough to combat concerns about antisemitism on Columbia's campus. Allegations of antisemitism arose during pro-Palestinian protests against Israel's actions in the war in Gaza .

The public grilling session comes four months after a similarly contentious congressional hearing led to the resignations of two Ivy League presidents. Unlike her counterparts, who focused their responses on protecting free speech, Shafik strongly denounced antisemitism, saying it “has no place on our campus.”

New York City police are called to Columbia's campus to disband the protest encampment and arrest more than 100 protesters. Those detained include the daughter of Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, who a day earlier had questioned Shafik about the school's treatment of pro-Palestinian protesters.

The arrests, which New York Mayor Eric Adams says were requested by Columbia officials, garner national attention and inflame college protests nationwide. A day later, the University of Southern California announces that it has canceled the keynote commencement speech by filmmaker Jon M. Chu. USC had already disallowed its student valedictorian , who is Muslim, from speaking at the May 10 commencement.

In the coming days, pro-Palestinian encampments will be set up at the University of Michigan, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of North Carolina.

Columbia cancels in-person classes, and an encampment at New York University swells to hundreds of protesters . NYU officials call in police after warning the crowd to leave and says the scene has become disorderly. Police arrest dozens of protesters at NYU and at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. The gates to Harvard Yard in Cambridge, Massachusetts, are closed to the public.

President Joe Biden addresses the unrest and seeks to find a narrow middle ground by condemning “antisemitic protests,” adding that he also condemns "those who don’t understand what’s going on with the Palestinians.”

Columbia administrators set a new midnight deadline for protesters to clear the encampment. While some leave, others dig in and refuse to disband until the school agrees to stop doing business with Israel or any companies that support the latest Israel-Hamas war.

Elsewhere, police make more arrests on other university campuses. At the University of Texas at Austin, hundreds of local and state police — including some on horseback and holding batons — aggressively clash with protesters , pushing them off campus grounds, and arresting more than 30 people. At the University of Southern California, police peacefully arrest student protesters.

Columbia University students say they're at an impasse after exhaustive negotiations with administrators and they intend to continue their encampment until their divestment demands are met. That comes after hundreds of protesters have been arrested nationwide over the previous nine days. The school sends students an email saying that bringing back police “at this time” would be counterproductive.

Meanwhile, schools across the country where protests have taken root prepare to shut down encampments over reports of antisemitic activity and concerns the protests will mar upcoming commencement ceremonies .

Columbia makes good on its promise to suspend students who defy a 2 p.m. deadline to leave the encampment of more than 100 tents. Instead of vacating, hundreds of protesters remain, marching around the quad and weaving around piles of temporary flooring and green carpeting meant for graduation ceremonies that are scheduled to begin next week.

Around the country, the number of arrests at campuses nationwide approaches 1,000 as the final days of class wrap up.

Dozens of protesters take over Hamilton Hall on Columbia's campus, barricading entrances and hanging a “Free Palestine” banner from a window as administrators warn that they face expulsion for doing so. Protesters insist they will remain at the hall until the university agrees to three demands: divestment from Israel and companies supporting the war in Gaza, financial transparency and amnesty for protesters.

Hours later, New York City police carrying riot shields storm the building and clear dozens of people from it, sweeping the encampment on the campus as well. The action from city police came at the request of the university, according to a police statement.

Hours after the clash between protesters and police on the Columbia campus, dueling groups of protesters spar at the University of California, Los Angeles, grappling in fistfights and shoving, kicking and using sticks to beat one another. Police wearing helmets and face shields form a line to slowly separate the groups of pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli demonstrators and quell the violence.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.